UK media group Emap Plc has announced that it is considering selling its Ireland-based radio stations, TodayFM, FM104 and Highland Radio, as part of a company-wide review. It has cited tough trading conditions as the reason for a potential sale, and warns that these are expected to continue into the 2007/8 financial year.

The Irish stations’ revenue has not been disclosed, but they are thought to be worth around £100mln.

The decision to consider a sale of assets joins the London- based group, which holds magazine titles FHM, Zoo and Grazia and UK radio stations Kiss and Magic FM, with news publisher Trinity Mirror and media company Chrysalis, who have also reviewed their businesses in a similar manner amid difficult conditions.

Despite the market weakness in consumer media, Emap said that trading was in line with expectations and it was on track to deliver total revenue growth of 3 per cent, as good performance from its business-to-business unit will offset decline in other areas. Chief Executive Tom Moloney said the group were not considering a review of their UK stations.

The company stated in a trading update ahead of full year results that “We regularly review assets within our portfolio and against this background we are considering our options in relation to our Republic of Ireland radio stations. We intend to provide an update on this at our final results in May.”